HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base health officials offer an improved assessment of body composition and metabolic analysis at Health Promotions in building 1609.
Utilizing Bioelectric Impedance Analysis, small electrical current is applied to measure the body's volume of water, determining the resistance as it flows through.
“In under 2 minutes, the non-invasive test provides vital metrics such as body fat percent, skeletal muscle, total body water, and visceral fat assessment,” said Will Carpenter, Health Promotions technician. “The InBody assessment requires no special clothing, though individuals with pacemakers or those who are pregnant should abstain.”
The InBody 570 system replaces the Bod Pod introduced at Hanscom AFB in 2012.
Body composition, a term embraced by health professionals, separates a person's weight into core components: fat, protein, minerals, and body water.
“Beyond conventional measures like BMI [body mass index] or weight alone, body composition analysis offers a more accurate portrayal of healthy weight and overall health,” said Carpenter. “It reveals changes in fat mass, lean muscle mass, and body fat percentage, aiding individuals in crafting personalized fitness goals.”
According to 66th Medical Squadron health officials, the benefits of understanding body composition are multifaceted.
It establishes a baseline crucial for tracking progress in diet or exercise programs. It also guides individuals in focusing on fat loss rather than weight loss, acknowledging the distinction between healthy and unhealthy pounds.
“It allows personnel to tailor workout routines to specific health and fitness goals, setting realistic benchmarks for ongoing motivation,” said Carpenter.
For those seeking nutritional guidance, Health Promotions offers the Korr Metabolic Analyzer.
“This device measures the body's calorie utilization at rest, during daily activities, and even exercise, providing calorie count ranges to facilitate fat loss,” said Carpenter.
A 30-minute appointment involves breathing into a tube, with an MDS Health Promotions official offering insights and recommendations on nutrition.
To ensure accurate results, individuals are asked to not exercise prior, and to avoid food and caffeine consumption three hours prior to the metabolic assessment.
All services at Health Promotions are free for the Hanscom AFB community, extending to active duty, dependents, retirees, and civilians.
For inquiries or appointments, contact Carpenter at 781-225-6374 or via email at william.j.carpenter42.civ@health.mil.
Health Promotions operates Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.